In 1962, the full size Chevrolet lineup – Biscayne, Bel Air and Impala – were restyled, inheriting a cleaner sometimes boxier look. The 2-door fastback Bel Air, however, appeared with no B-pillars and very slim C-pillars. The effect was significantly different from that of the four-door sedan. The flowing roofline and absence of visually intrusive pillars earned it the name “bubble top.”

The big news for performance enthusiasts this year was that the 409cui V8 engine, in either 380 or 409hp trim, could be ordered in any full size Chevy.

The difference was whether the engine came with one or a pair of 4-bbl carburetors. Regardless, the 409 came with solid lifters, 11:1 compression ratio and dual exhaust. Lightweight front body panels were available to those in the know.

The restyling for the 1962 full size line is considered one of the best of the era, by collectors now and by the general public at the time.

Chevrolet sold well over a million full size cars that year, dominated by the Impala with 704,900, followed by the Bel Air at 365,000 and 160,000 for the Biscayne.

The example shown here sold on eBay for a single bid of $30,000. Apparently, someone knew exactly what they were looking at and it was what they were looking for.

The car had been freshened with a rebuilt 409 engine, new interior and chrome trim, exhaust system and gas tank. Equipped with a Borg Warner T-10 manual transmission, this car is one of the most desirable configurations around.

The seller mentioned that there is some racing history behind the car, but failed to provide any details. With its teal exterior and interior, the car looks innocent enough, but according to another 409-equipped Bel Air owner, “It requires your full attention when the key is turned on, and when both carbs open you had better be pointed in the right direction.”

The seller claims 46,250 original miles are on the car. Whoever picked up this example appears to have scored a solid, well maintained example of an historically significant American car. It would certainly be a fun can to drive and show and likely has some investment potential over the longer term.